Geothermal drilling solutions for the clean energy mix

At the center of this change are efficient mobile air compressors like Atlas Copco’s DrillAir range. And the latest additions to this range, the X-Air⁺ 750-25 and the X-Air⁺ 1200-40, meet both deep and shallow drilling needs in geothermal drilling.

Geothermal energy leverages the Earth’s natural heat to produce electricity and provide direct heating. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), geothermal power could supply up to 3.5% of the global energy demand by 2050. [1]

This clean energy source produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions and uses a small land footprint compared to wind and solar farms. With an operational capacity factor of up to 90%, geothermal energy outperforms solar (20-30%) and wind (35-50%) in terms of reliability and efficiency. [2]

Geothermal energy is also one of the renewable sources the European Union (EU) is embracing to meet the EU Green Deal's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. This plan aims to make the EU's economy sustainable by increasing renewable energy use, improving energy efficiency, and creating an integrated, digitalized energy market. [3]

Our customers in geothermal drilling have diverse needs, from deep wells for large geothermal installations to shallower wells near town centers and homes. The X-Air⁺ 750-25 portable compressor was developed to address these specific requirements. Unlike our previous models, the X-Air⁺ 750-25 is compact yet powerful, making it ideal for urban and residential geothermal projects where space and noise are critical considerations.

Efficiency in drilling translates directly to lower energy consumption. Advanced high-pressure portable compressors, such as Atlas Copco’s DrillAir series, are equipped with intelligent systems like the AirXpert performance management system. This feature optimizes the air flow and pressure in real-time, resulting in up to 20% faster drilling times, reduced fuel consumption by up to 15%, and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. By minimizing the amount of fuel required per meter drilled, customers can achieve substantial savings and contribute to reducing their carbon footprint.

Geothermal drilling can pose challenges such as soil erosion, noise pollution, and habitat disruption. However, Atlas Copco DrillAir range with Dynamic Flow Boost technology helps reduce the time spent on site by increasing air flow during crucial operations, such as flushing and drill stem refilling. This means shorter project timelines, reduced environmental disturbance, and lower operational noise levels. Moreover, the compact and portable design of the X-Air⁺ 750-25 portable compressors facilitate easier transport and setup, limiting the need for extensive site preparation and associated environmental impact.

The complexity of geothermal drilling requires portable compressors that can handle extreme conditions. The Extended Pressure Range (XPR) technology in Atlas Copco’s DrillAir units allows for versatile pressure settings, adapting seamlessly to variable geological formations. This versatility is crucial when moving from hard rock to softer soil layers, helping prevent soil cavitation and ensuring drilling continuity.

Atlas Copco’s success in the geothermal drilling market is rooted in our commitment to customer value and responsible innovation. We listened to our customers and developed solutions that met their needs for both deep and shallow drilling. For instance, the X-Air⁺ 750-25 was designed to be compact and maneuverable, addressing the challenges of drilling in hard-to-reach areas near homes and town centers. This customer-centric approach led to a product that was not only more efficient but also more user-friendly.

Geothermal energy holds unique advantages when compared to other renewable sources. It provides a continuous power supply, unlike wind and solar, which are intermittent. A geothermal power plant requires significantly less land than a comparable solar or wind farm. 

Geothermal systems use less energy compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, achieving up to 300% efficiency. Once installed, geothermal systems produce no local emissions and have a very low carbon footprint. They also have lower maintenance and operating costs and can last for decades.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tapping into just 2% of the heat stored within 10 km of the Earth's surface could supply over 2,000 times the current global energy use. This makes geothermal not only a vital component of the clean energy future but also an enabler for large-scale, sustainable energy systems.

The move toward reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions demands a diversified energy strategy that includes the full potential of geothermal power. High-pressure portable compressors, particularly those in the Atlas Copco DrillAir series and the new X-Air⁺ 750-25, are at the forefront of making geothermal drilling more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. 

By investing in advanced drilling technology, we can unlock deeper energy reserves with minimal environmental impact, ensuring geothermal plays a prominent role alongside wind, solar, and hydrogen in a cleaner, greener energy landscape.

[1] www.nature.com

[2] www.technologyreview.com

[3] energy.ec.europa.eu